It’s spring in Central Pennsylvania, which means the satisfying “crack” or “ping” of a bat connecting with a ball is never too far away. Unfortunately, they may sometimes be accompanied by a loud “yelp!” of pain from an athlete suffering a foot injury.
The good news is that baseball and softball are among the safest team sports widely played by American youth—score another one for the national pastime! However, that doesn’t mean feet are perfectly protected. In fact, baseball and softball can put a lot of stress on feet and ankles. Athletes must quickly accelerate and decelerate as they track down a fly ball or dash toward first base. They may need to shuffle from side to side to field a grounder or take a lead. Pitchers (who need to push off the back foot with every delivery) and catchers (who must spend most of the game squatting) face additional risks.
All this stress and pressure can lead to baseball injuries such as:
- Sprained ankles
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
- Broken toes
- Heel pain
- Bruises
- Blisters
- Tendinitis
- Tendon ruptures
Fortunately, most baseball and softball injuries are minor. Those that require a little more attention, however, can be handled adeptly by the team at Martin Foot and Ankle. Our staff not only includes a full roster of foot and ankle specialists, but also physical therapists who can aid in recovery and rehabilitation. Our team provides seamless, coordinated care with state-of-the-art technology and training, allowing players to get back onto the field, at full strength, as quickly as possible.
If you or a child is hurt or injured in the feet or ankles during sports, please give us a call today at (717) 757-3537. You can also complete a contact form online, and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible.
